The Point will showcase The Fabrics of Freedom – a culmination of the Future Arts Centres projects Our Freedom: Then and Now.
This vibrant community celebration project is marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
As part of a nationwide programme supported by the UK Government through Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with Libraries Connected, Our Freedom: Then and Now invited 80 communities across the UK to reflect on the legacy of VE and VJ Day and explore what freedom means to them today.
Eastleigh’s contribution, The Fabrics of Freedom, has brought together residents of all ages, from schoolchildren to care home residents, in a series of creative workshops led by acclaimed London-based artist Alisa Ruzavina.
Through textiles and storytelling, participants have shared personal reflections and reimagined freedom in a modern context.
“To me, art is one of the most powerful and joyful ways to express and celebrate our shared values,” says Alisa Ruzavina. “I am thrilled that, through this special project, Eastleigh’s community, including its youngest and oldest residents, will have a rare and precious chance to be inspired by each other’s visions of freedom.”
The project will end with a Celebration Parade at The Point on Saturday 15th November, showcasing the beautiful artworks created by the community and the powerful ideas behind them.
This public event invites everyone to come together, reflect, and celebrate the spirit of freedom through creativity.
“Being part of the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversary programme is an incredible opportunity to bring communities together through creativity,” adds Annabel Turpin and Gavin Barlow, Co-Directors of Future Arts Centres. “Our Freedom: Then and Now has supported arts centres and libraries to create powerful, public moments of reflection and connection that honour the past while inspiring the future.”
Join The Point on 15th November at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm, for a moving and memorable celebration of freedom, creativity, and community.
Find out more about the parade here, and learn more about the national programme at: ourfreedom.org.uk.
Make more of your weekend experience of The Fabrics of Freedom by visiting the popular Christmas Makers Market on Saturday 15 and share in the family favourite Christmas Grotto 2025 open on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16. Tickets are selling fast.
Tickets available at The Point Theatre.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton